Chief Instructor

The Director and Chief Instructor of Mountain Coast Aikikai is Mr. Jobe Groot.

Mr. Groot began his study of Aikido in 1979, and received intensive training under the direction of Dr. F.I. Ishiyama, Shidoin, 6th dan, Master Y. Kawahara, Shihan, 8th dan (official representative of Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Canada and Technical Director of the Canadian Aikido Federation), and Master T.K. Chiba, Shihan, 8th dan (direct student of the Founder of Aikido and ). 

Groot Sensei currently holds the rank of Godan (5th degree black belt) from Aikikai Hombu Dojo (Aikido World Headquarters) and Birankai International and the teaching certification of Shidoin (certified instructor).  He is a member of the Teacher's Council of Birankai North America. 

Mr. Groot is the founding instructor of Okanagan Aikikai and Mountain Coast Aikikai (formerly Richmond Aikikai) (1991).  He has served as the Chief Instructor of Mountain Coast Aikikai since the dojo opened its doors in 1991.

In addition to his many years of intensive study of Aikido, Mr. Groot also draws on his training and experience in human physiology and performance and other martial arts and body-mind disciplines, including: Jujitsu, Kenjutsu, Taijiquan, Qigong, Zazen (Zen Buddhist meditation) and Yoga.

Groot Sensei has traveled to instruct at seminars and training intensives across Canada, the United States, Europe and South-East Asia.

Assistant Instructors

Selected classes at Mountain Coast Aikikai are taught by designated assistant instructors.  All assistant instructors at Mountain Coast Aikikai are qualified Yudansha (holders of black belt rank).